How to Meet New People in Baton Rouge

New Orleans tends to get all the attention when you think about Louisiana, but Baton Rouge is no slouch.

The state capital of Louisiana has the tallest state capitol building in the United States, and had a very clever Governor who once built a bridge so low that tankers couldn’t progress further up the Mississippi, turning Baton Rouge into a port city. It’s still the farthest port upstream to handle Panamax( between 650 and 820 feet) ships.

If you have recently moved to Baton Rouge, here are some ideas to start meeting new friends and getting to know your new home.

If You’re Outdoorsy

There are lots of things to do in Baton Rouge if you love being outside.

Louisiana Marathon - Baton Rouge hosts the Louisiana Marathon every January, and there are full, half, quarter, 5K and kids’ events. The running community is always welcoming, and events like this are always looking for volunteers. If you’re a running enthusiast, this is a great opportunity to meet running buddies. And if you’re looking for a running club, check out the Club South Runners. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, there are recreational and competitive events to get you started.

Local Activity Groups - Every place has those hidden gems that only the locals know about—the best fishing spot away from the tourists, the best hiking trail, what you need to know about the currents and riptides, and when you are new to an area, it takes some time to learn the inside intel. If you like hiking, camping, kayaking, backpacking or doing other outdoor adventures, then the Mid-South Adventurers group is the place for you. With over 100 members, there’s bound to be some people who share your interests, and it will be an easy way to learn the best places to go.

If You’re Quiet

Introverts unite, individually, in your own homes! It can be exhausting to navigate all the energy and unknown elements in a new place, but that doesn’t mean introverts don’t want to make new friends. They just prefer to do it on their terms, and a happy hour at a noisy pub is not it. Here are some ways to meet new people if you’re on the reserved side.

Enjoy Books and Writing

While it is a bit of a myth that all introverts like to read, it’s not completely untrue either. If you are a bookworm in a new city, finding a quiet coffee shop and an independent bookstore is high on the list once you’re unpacked and settled. Imagine a club where you can just read: Introverts Read-Watch-Eat Meetup is geared towards quiet people. Read the book, watch the movie, make some food. Repeat. And if writing is also in your talent, the Shut Up and Write writing group has you covered. Writers know all the best cafes and quiet spaces, and can list the best bookstores in the city off the top of their heads.

Learn Something New

One of the best ways to meet new people is to take a class and learn a new skill. If you are new to the bayou, then taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the history and traditions. Red Stick Spice Company offers a variety of cooking classes on everything from the perfect jambalaya to Farm, Food and Cooking tours. Plus, you get to sample your efforts at the end. What’s not to like about that?

If You Have Kids

Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC)

Baton Rouge makes it easy to find something to do with your kids, including kids who are neurodivergent. Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) is a searchable clearing house of all the various camps, activities and events going on in and around Baton Rouge and its parks, and covers all members of the family from infant to senior.

If you want to take a pottery class, learn line dancing, participate in chair yoga, or spark a passion for nature with trail walks at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, BREC has a list of everything you need to know to find things to do.

Check out a Museum

Baton Rouge has quite a few quality museums no matter what your children are interested in. There’s the Baton Rouge Zoo, Knock Knock Children’s Museum and Louisiana Art and Science Museum that also has a planetarium. Or take a step back in time at the LSU Rural Life Museum, which offers a glimpse into life in Louisiana in the 18th and 19th centuries, including a working plantation.

At the end of the day if you need extra space to store some of your outdoor equipment, crafts or off-season decor, Storage Post has a location right in Baton Rouge.

With 24/7/365 access, security, drive-up units, high ceilings, and dollies and hand carts available to borrow, we will safeguard your possessions while you get to know your new home.